Abuse allegations among Jehovah’s Witnesses in Newfoundland

Allegations of abuse involving two members of the Jehovah’s Witness religious movement in Newfoundland have emerged, though details of the charges are protected by a court-ordered publication ban.

CBC News has learned that a former volunteer church elder and his son are facing charges.

The former elder is charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation relating to allegations dating from 2009 to 2012 in central Newfoundland.

According to court documents, a second man is charged with sexual assault, with the information referencing a period between May 2011 and December 2013 in a community on the Avalon Peninsula.

CBC News has confirmed that the pair are father and son.

A sexual exploitation charge involves anyone in a position of trust or authority who commits an offence against a young person.

The matter involving the older accused was called at a provincial court on Wednesday.

It was set over until next month, when a date is expected to be set for trial.

The younger accused is scheduled to make a court appearance later this month.

‘We’re all human’

The father of an alleged victim told CBC News it’s been a difficult time for his family.

The father said he is still involved with the Jehovah’s Witness, and spoke in a forgiving tone.

“Things happen. We’re all human. No matter what religion you’re of, things can happen,” he said.

CBC News also spoke briefly with the former elder. He declined comment, but did say he is still involved with the church.

The man did not appear in court Wednesday, but is expected to plead not guilty.

An RCMP spokesman said he could not comment on either case because of the publication ban. However, he stressed that officers take such allegations very seriously.

Members throughout the province

A member of the congregation linked to both of the accused said that it has been a difficult time, but declined to comment.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a U.S.-based religious movement with an estimated eight million followers worldwide, including about 1,200 members in Newfoundland and Labrador, with churches known as a Kingdom Hall in communities throughout the province.

They are Christians, but have sometimes been described as an insular sect.

The name of the movement is drawn from the proper name of God in the Hebrew Bible, and the essence of their movement is to serve as God’s “witnesses.”

Followers are best known for door-to-door evangelism, and free publications called Awake! and The Watchtower.

They also follow strict rules that prohibit, among other things, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, smoking and drugs.

The movement has also made headlines for refusing to allow blood transfusions, even when a life is at risk, and to refuse to celebrate occasions such as Christmas, Easter and birthdays.

Co-operating with police

In Canada, the movement is headquartered in Georgetown, Ont., outside Toronto.

‘We do abhor that kind of wickedness … and we do not protect any of these individuals and we allow the authorities to do their work’– Simon Picard

When asked about the charges, he also referenced the ongoing investigation and publication ban, but strongly condemned any abuse against young people.

“How we feel about child sexual abuse has been very clear for years now,” said Picard.

“We do abhor that kind of wickedness … and we do not protect any of these individuals and we allow the authorities to do their work.”

Picard confirmed the older accused is no longer a church elder, and that the church is co-operating with the investigation.

He also stressed that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have measures in place to protect members of the church.

“Our publications give all kinds of tools to our parents on how to teach and train their children to be protected from these kind of things,” he said, adding the organization’s website also offers tips.

COMMENTARY

As most readers probably know, for decades the WT tied the hands of elders and prevented them from involving police in investigating allegations of child sexual abuse. After last summer’s Royal Commission exposure in Australia, which brought to light the fact that in over 1,000 cases of child abuse in that country spanning a half century, not one case was reported to authorities. Now, though, the WT is pretending that they always cooperate with the police. They supposedly even offer tips to parents to help protect children, although, obviously it isn’t working.

Robert KingThere is only the second coming. True, Jesus spoke of his coming upon the clouds and striking terror into the world, but that is simply the ultimate manifestation of his second coming. And no, I have not seen the A&E program. Someone sent me a link to it, but to tell you the truth, I am not really interested.

1john41Two questions: You said: ‘The fact is, Christ’s second coming has not occurred, as the Watchtower claims.’ I know that Jesus’ second coming has not occurred yet...what I want to ask you is, is there a third coming? Also I want to ask if you saw the Leah Remini A&E show that had ex-JW’s on it? (It aired on Tuesday, Nov 13.)

Robert KingI really appreciate your kind offer. I don't think I need anything that big. I am going to look at some small wood stoves like Home Depot has. I have a ton of firewood. it would surely save on propane. Just bought me a new chainsaw a couple weeks ago too. Been trying to keep active outside cutting and splitting.

Bklyn KevinI have propane also and it's very expensive in this neck of the woods however last year the snow was so severe the propane people couldn't make a delivery to me so thank Jehovah I had the Alaskan coal stove. Robert on another note I have the original wood stove that came with my house in which I removed and it's still sitting in my garage, I think it's about 80000 BTUs and it's in excellent shape...

Robert KingI wish I had thought of that a couple of years ago when we fixed up this barn. Instead I went with a propane wall heater. Don't really have the money to blow on it now. And I am waiting three days now for a propane delivery. :~(

Bklyn KevinRobert perhaps you can use an Alaska coal stove or a wood stove, I know the blowers make a lot of noise but at least you can warm up the place prior to making your video and remember you can always shut off the blower for a period of time without the place freezing,
PS I highly recommend the Alaskan coal stove as it is efficient and economical,in fact I bought them used and they work Wonderful and...

Bklyn KevinMore spiritual food for thought.
Excerpted from What about the 7,000 who are killed?
QUESTION: An article in the January, 2016, Watchtower, on paragraph 14, states that the Bible does not say how many of the anointed will be left at the time that the tribulation begins. However, I have understood from previous podcasts and articles of yours that there will be 7000. I take it this means that the Bible...

Robert KingYou are woefully ignorant. Of course there are anointed Christians on earth prior to the return of Christ. Simply read the the first 3 chapters of Revelation. That's where Jesus counsels the members of his congregation who are anointed. Basically, Jesus tells them to be faithful until he comes, otherwise they will not attain their heavenly reward.